Kennett Y construction set to begin

KENNETT SQUARE — Construction will begin later this month on a $3.4 million expansion and renovation of the Kennett Area YMCA.

“This is really awesome when you consider this is something we have been planning for 10 years or so,” said Jeff Daly, executive director of the Kennett Area YMCA. “Thanks to the support of our members, donors and the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley, we now have the resources to meet the needs of our growing community.”

The expansion will make way for a half-gym, a new zero-entrance, warm water pool, a family activity center and wellness studio, a center for early learning and enrichment and space for holistic health studios.

The Kennett Area YMCA, originally designed for 5,000 people, is used by nearly 12,000 adults, children and families. More than 1,000 people on average walk through its doors each day.

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About two years ago, the YMCA spent $170,000 to add 45 new parking spaces off Race Street. Daly said the expansion won’t add any new spaces, but parking will be addressed when this project is finished, expected to be by Memorial Day, 2013.

“We’re all set to go,” Daly said. “The building permits are in the final stages with the borough and everything has gone according to plan. This expansion will allow greater space for people to spread out a bit.”

The construction project, which was awarded to Warfel Construction of Lancaster, will increase the overall square footage of the Kennett Y by 25 percent.

Daly said when completed, the Y will be even more family friendly.

“Right now, there’s not a lot of time for a parent and child to come in and shoot hoops, or swim in the pool,” Daly said. “We’ll be able to offer those things now. We’re growing to accommodate the needs of the community.”

In July 2011, the Kennett Y launched a capital campaign for the expansion under the leadership of W. Thomas Musser, chairman of the board of the Tri-M Group, Kennett Square. “We’re grateful to many donors who have shown their support for the capital campaign,” said Musser. “Now, with just $150,000 left to raise, we have received a generous $75,000 matching grant that can help us reach our campaign goal and complete entire project, including a much-needed family activity center. Every dollar we raise now is critical with this dollar-for-dollar match.”

The Kennett Y plans a formal groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, October 30 at 8:30 am.